06-08-2019, 10:26 AM | #1 |
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Location: Pace, FL
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Enclosed trailers
I'm looking at buying an enclosed trailer, somewhere in the 8.5x20 or 24 range in the next few years. I'd like to be able to haul cars in it, but it'll pull double duty hauling my household stuff when I move. I'd like 5200 lb axles minimum. All the trailers I'm finding seem to be built in Georgia and have varying opinions. I'm not super picky, I'm fine with white sides and plain steel wheels. I just want it to be solid and well built. Can anyone recommend good brands, or brands to stay away from? Thanks.
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06-08-2019, 10:47 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Gods country East,Tn
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Re: Enclosed trailers
I like the Continental trailers like this one with single panel roof . just make sure the extra support is there in the roof if you ever want to add A/C and wired for multiple outlets and leds inside . $5,999.00 and built in Ga . Always ask for discounts on car trailers .Just like anything else buy the best one that fits your needs . The best deals are on the ones sitting finished in their lot .
and always ask for tie downs and extra spare tire in the deal there are a lot of trailers out there https://www.racingjunk.com/Enclosed-...&np_offset=0#6
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06-08-2019, 10:55 AM | #3 |
Robert Olson Transport
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: recent transplant to NC USA
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Re: Enclosed trailers
I have two open trailers that I use for my business Kaufman and a big tex the big tex has taken a lot of abuse and has over 200K on it id recommend one of those if possible
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06-08-2019, 11:17 AM | #4 |
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Re: Enclosed trailers
I have multiple trailers . My advise go with a 24 or more. Gets tight when you get a car in it. The trailer I use the most is the aluma open trailer . Find it easier at my age to tie the car or truck down. My other two a Cargo mate and a hallmark I have stuff stored in them.
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06-08-2019, 01:58 PM | #5 |
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Re: Enclosed trailers
Thanks for the opinions so far. I already have a Big Tex 18' car hauler I've put a few thousand miles on across the country a handful of times and used for a lot more than hauling cars. My plan is to trade up to an enclosed trailer to haul not only cars but my household stuff too. After my last move, I swore to never rent a truck to move again.
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06-08-2019, 02:06 PM | #6 |
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Re: Enclosed trailers
we have 2 Pace American's at work and they are HEAVY-DUTY. they take a beating and keep on ticking.
i myself have had a US Cargo enclosed (not bad) but currently have a Snake River trailer |
06-08-2019, 06:46 PM | #7 |
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Location: Alden NY
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Re: Enclosed trailers
I have a 22' United enclosed with the big axles. Lifetime floor warranty. I had the rafters built 16" on center as we can get a big snow load when it is sitting in the yard in the winter. I put e track in it and added a winch as I winch my vehicles in and out (I'm not crawling in and out and screwing up paint) Pulls good and is well made. Besides local usages, it's been to Carlisle a couple times, Ohio, Delaware, North Carolina, etc. I use a load distribution hitch. I keep my 6X8 utility trailer inside it and out of the weather when not in use, and I also stored a car in it for about 8 months as my garage and barn were full at the time.
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06-09-2019, 06:18 AM | #8 |
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Location: Ontario Peterborough
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Re: Enclosed trailers
Stay away from United , mine is junk !!!
Maybe they have changed them from when I bought mine but all the plastic strips that cover the bolts on the outside cracked and came of , I contacted them and they sent me a roll of it , replaced it and a year latter the same thing happened . All the outside panels have separated from each other , they are only glued on the overlap. The inside wood paneling was falling off , it was only stapled on. Not impressed at all with UNITED TRAILERS. Last edited by 4u2nv; 06-09-2019 at 06:26 AM. |
06-09-2019, 10:41 PM | #9 |
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Location: Derby Kansas
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Re: Enclosed trailers
I have a 28' kauffman enclosed with 6k torsion axles that I used to make 7 trips from North Carolina to move to Kansas. It weighs around 4,100 empty and each trip loaded would weigh 10,000-12,000. I had them custom build it and they were a great company to deal with. I had a few issues at first but they stood behind it. I looked at several Georgia built trailers and underneath just looked cobbled together. I picked the trailer up direct from Kauffman and it really wasn't much more than the Georgia trailer.
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06-12-2019, 11:06 AM | #10 |
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Re: Enclosed trailers
I didn't know that Kaufman made anything other than open trailers. I really like the look of their construction and options, especially axle selections. I have a trailer manufacturer about 30 miles away called Elite Trailers out of Crestview but there isn't much info online about them. Their price seems similar to Kaufman. I may check them out and take some weekend trips to see some other trailers in person, I don't want to buy one sight unseen.
Thanks!
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06-12-2019, 11:50 AM | #11 |
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Location: Derby Kansas
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Re: Enclosed trailers
Kauffman just started making enclosed in I think the last two years and only makes them at the NC location.
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06-12-2019, 07:43 PM | #12 |
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Location: Trenton,Ontario & South Carolina
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Re: Enclosed trailers
I have had 3 Kaufman open car trailers,they were great, made all my requests for changes,I had a 28' Diamond Cargo was not happy with it,If I buy a new enclosed,I am going with Kaufman.
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06-14-2019, 11:07 AM | #13 |
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Location: Orland Park Il
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Re: Enclosed trailers
Make sure you buy a flat roof trailer that’s built for car hauling and not a cargo trailer that can haul cars. Personally I’d avoid a plywood interior and would get an insulated and aluminum lined or bare and do it myself, even if you don’t need heat/ac in it you will benifit from cooler temps inside. Every wood lined trailer we’ve ever had started falling off almost immediately. Also buy bigger than you think you need...I have a ‘24 and now wish it was a ‘28
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06-14-2019, 11:45 AM | #14 |
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Location: Pace, FL
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Re: Enclosed trailers
What is the difference in a car hauler and a regular cargo trailer? I've seen each one advertised independently but haven't seen an explanation as to why you can't haul a car in a cargo trailer.
Any thoughts on best axle setup? I've got leaf spring axles on the Big Tex but it looks like some people favor the torsion setup.
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06-14-2019, 12:18 PM | #15 |
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Re: Enclosed trailers
Car haulers have a reinforced rear door for driving on and thicker flooring among other things. Check the build specifications though, not all are built the same. My trailer is a pace American from ‘05 and I wouldn’t buy from them today...vintage outlaw if I was currently in the market.
I prefer a torsion suspension, smoother ride IMO.
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06-14-2019, 12:21 PM | #16 |
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Re: Enclosed trailers
Good advice. I'm going to keep my eyes out and bug the contractors working in my plant to see if they like their trailers they haul in and out. Most of them have the Georgia-built trailers, and on inspection, I'm not highly impressed with the welds holding the tongue together. Obviously they hold together but sometimes it's surprising.
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06-18-2019, 10:12 PM | #17 |
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Re: Enclosed trailers
I used to sell the TEAM SPIRIT brand out of Elkhart Indiana. To me they are one of the best enclosed out there. I liked them because they use square tubing instead of the z bar used in nearly all of the others.
I would get a 24-26 atleast if its going to pull double duty. Team Spirit or Vintage are some well built trailers. Just ask what the frames are made of. |
06-18-2019, 10:36 PM | #18 |
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Location: Derby Kansas
Posts: 357
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Re: Enclosed trailers
My Kaufman has 2x6 or 2x8 boxed tubing for the frame. They sent me pictures of it during the build process. Like I said earlier I had some issues at first but their customer service is very good. I would probably buy from them again.
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06-22-2019, 12:44 AM | #19 |
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Sheffield, ALA
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Re: Enclosed trailers
That is the way the Team Spirits are built. May be a little higher in price but I think its worth it.
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